Lapis Lazuli is a bright blue metamorphic rock consisting largely of lazurite. Its name comes from the Persian word 'Lazur' meaning 'blue stone'. Lapis Lazuli is an ancient gem, and as such, has a storied history. Egyptian cultures made a practice of burying a Lapis Lazuli scarab with their dead, and believed it to offer protection. The very earliest cultures valued Lapis Lazuli more highly than gold. Grade AAA